Read the excerpt from "The Monkey's Paw." "I suppose all old soldiers are the same," said Mrs.
White. "The idea of our listening to such nonsense!
How could wishes be granted in these days? And if
they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you,
father?"
"Might drop on his head from the sky," said the frivolous
Herbert.
"Morris said the things happened so naturally," said his
father, "that you might if you so wished attribute it to
coincidence."
"Well, don't break into the money before I come back,"
said Herbert as he rose from the table. "I'm afraid it'll
turn you into a mean, avaricious man, and we shall
have to disown you."
How does Herbert react after his father has wished for
two hundred pounds?
He is afraid his father will become greedy.
He is respectful of the power of the monkey's paw.
He is trying to lighten the mood with humor.
He does not believe the paw holds magic.